News & Updates

It’s springtime and love is in the air! Animals are becoming more active as a natural part of the mating cycle. Over the past weeks, there have been an increase in bobcat and coyote sightings in Carrollton. Residents need to be aware of our urban wildlife and take small precautions, like keeping pets on a leash and observing wildlife from a safe distance.

For years, we have shared space with wildlife in our community, including bobcats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, opossums, skunks and snakes. While bobcats and coyotes seem to create the most concern among the public, they are actually helpful creatures, in that they control our rodent and rabbit populations through hunting activities.

Many think these animals are responsible for unprovoked attacks on humans and our pets, but according to Texas Parks and Wildlife, this is a misconception. By following city leash laws and respecting wildlife from a distance, we can eliminate most associated risks.

Animals play an important part in maintaining natural balance in surrounding parks, greenbelts and undeveloped areas in our community. However, we are aware, and do track activity patterns in high traffic or residential areas of our community. If you spot a bobcat or coyote, email details of the sighting to Animal Services Manager Carl Shooter at carl.shooter@cityofcarrollton.com.

By logging the date, time, location, number of animals reported and the activity at the time of the sighting, we are able to determine whether an animal is just moving through or if it is denning in the area. We can then determine the necessary steps and take action.

Please keep in mind that seeing wildlife does not mean that there is an immediate need to capture or euthanize the animal. Subdivisions like the Highlands in North Carrollton have unique land features such as a creek, which provides food, water and a safe corridor for animal travel. It is bordered by several acres of vacant land which are most likely the home to some of the bobcats that have been sighted.

By realizing these animals are part of the natural balance of our community, and taking small precautions, we hope to ensure the safe co-existence of people and animals for many years to come.